Communicating through Maps: An exclusive Directions Magazine series exploring the complexities and challenges of GIS mappingDirections Magazine Readers of this magazine are unlikely to need convincing about the inherent utility of maps. As representations of information, maps enable the analysis of spatial distributions and patterns and are a medium for communication both for and by the mapmaker. In fact, a map is a common metaphor for the arrangement of any type of information because being able to visualize spatial relationships among the data, whether words, numbers, shapes, images, objects, or concepts, helps us interpret and extract meaning.

Enhance Policy, Transform Your CareerThe AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships provide scientists and engineers with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while learning first-hand about policy. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in all three branches of the federal government in Washington, D.C.

How has cloud computing added friction in the geospatial software space?Sensors & SystemsAs cloud computing is increasingly becoming the platform for software delivery, accompanied by software subscriptions and software as a service models, users are finding their options forced. Instead of the prior model, where users could pick and choose the tools for the task, the increasingly capable platforms with their associated data and services make the work easier, but also create an all-in adoption.

Superior Quality Data and Analytics is Critical for Today's Energy CompaniesCoreLogicAs a GIS professional, you strive to turn complicated tasks into fast, efficient processes throughout your business. You understand that automated data can improve the quality and output of almost every task. However, collecting data from various local government and other resources can be expensive, time-consuming and error-prone. A trusted, single source of robust data and analytics can simplify and improve the quality of many departmental functions such as land-use planning, mineral exploration, tax compliance, transportation, as well as infrastructure development and management. Learn more…

Model plane fliers to get real-time, location-based flight safety infoGPS World A soon-to-be released smartphone app will provide users with real-time information on flight regulations, and restrictions for the user's actual location; alternately, for a location to which the user is planning to travel to for a model plane flight. Named B4UFly, the app is designed to answer for users, "Is it safe and is it legal to fly my model aircraft based on where I am right now?"

Lockheed completes integration of first GPS III spacecraftInside GNSS Lockheed Martin has finally been able to announce victory in its effort to complete integration of the first GPS Block III satellite. Integration took place last month at the company's GPS III Processing Facility near Denver, Colorado, bringing together the system module — which includes the navigation payload that performs the primary positioning, navigation, and timing mission — the functional bus containing the electronics that manage all satellite operations, and the propulsion core that enables the satellite to maneuver for operations on orbit.

What we learned at SPAR InternationalPoint of BeginningRevolutionary seemed to be the theme for this year's SPAR International, which took place in Houston the first week of April.
Andy Lowery, DAQRI CEO, gave an interesting keynote on technology in the information age. He mentioned his speech wouldn't focus on his own company specifically, but highlight current innovations and the state of the technology revolution we are living in.

Esri StoryMap — Mapping the 2015 Nepal earthquakeGIS UserFrom Esri ... the Mapping the 2015 Nepal Earthquake smart map provides a 3-D web scene of the area affected by the avalanche on Mount Everest, as well as information about rescue and relief operations and critical infrastructure.